The TRUTH about Sports

Interesting day, seeing most of our reserve team taking it on the field today behind QB Luke McCown. I will say that the majority of the reserves that played today are ready to take on their roles for the playoffs. This team has a lot of heart and Tampa should be looking forward to see their team in the playoffs. Thank you Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2 things went awry in Los Angeles on Sunday, one the Lakers got their asses kicked by the Boston Celtics and two, the Lakers went retro with hot pants (what were they thinking). The Celtics ended their four game road trip, 4-0. Now are they legit? The Lakers on the other hand, learned that they can’t hang with the Celtics. I wonder what would’ve happened if the Lakers traded for Garnett??? Oh well. Back to reality and the Celtics who are now 26-3 and seemed poised to at least win the Eastern Conference title. You can’t help but root for the big 3, as it seems that they ‘ve put their egos aside and are after 1 goal, the NBA Championship. Lakers, on the other hand, we’ll be seeing “the return of Kobe throwing his team under the bus” this summer at a theater near you.

After starting the season 4-3, the Chiefs dropped 9 in a row to end the season, including today’s loss against the Jets in New York. How pathetic. The Chiefs used to be the cream of the AFC West. Their high-powered offense is nothing but a faint memory. Led by Brodie Croyle, the Chiefs are probably the worst team in the league next to the Dolphins. I don’t even think that Brodie Croyle and the word “led” can be used in the same sentence. The problem for them going into the off-season is that they have soooooo many holes to fill. Sure they’ll end up with a top draft pick. But who do you take? They’re in dire need of a quarterback, wide receivers, lineman…the list goes on and on. As for their coach Herm Edwards, I was always a fan of his tough guy approach. But now I’m beginning to wonder…hmmmmm….(or should I say hermmmmmm…). I thought we play to win the game???

If you don’t think Sean Taylor is watching his team, think again. The Washington Redskins are going to the playoffs folks. Sure they beat up on the Dallas Cowboys 2nd team. But who cares??? After dealing with the death of Sean Taylor and losing to the Bills at home in week 13, the ‘skins have won 4 in a row and are heading to the post-season. I’m not saying they’re winning it all, but in the NFC, anyone’s got a chance. Let’s not forget they still have 1,000 yard rusher Clinton Portis, QB Todd Collins who hasn’t thrown an interception in 10 years, WR Santana Moss and a decent defense. Watch out for those hogs or hoggettes or whatever…

The Scarlett Knights is what they are called. But on Saturday, the University of Central Florida was anything but brave and courageous, as they fell 10-3 to Mississippi State in the Liberty Bowl. Talk about a boring game. Wake me up when these worthless bowls are over. I’m wondering if I anyone outside of these two states care to watch this game (excluding gamblers of course)? Liberty bowl, Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Petrosun Independence Bowl, etc…who cares??? I wanna watch the big ones; Rose, Fiesta, Orange, and Sugar. Sure, maybe the Gators and the Wolverines in the Capital One Bowl could be fun to watch. But for the most part, these bowl games are nothing but an opportunity for the players to showcase their talents one last time for the scouts AND the athletic departments last chance to make some $$$. That’s the truth, it hurts, I know. I just have to find a way to live with it.

The Boston Celtics went on a west coast swing and well, their tear continues. Sure their first two games were against the Sacramento Kings and the Seattle Sonics. But they beat the Kirilenko-less Utah Jazz on Saturday night and will face the yellow-hot Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. OK, maybe this wasn’t the best example of talent representing the west coast. And maybe we won’t know how legit they are until they face the Spurs, Mavericks and Suns. But the Celts have won all but 1 game in the month of December. They have the best record in the league. You can’t help but feel good for the trio of Pierce, Allen and of course, KG. Wise man once said, “it’s a good time to be a Bostonian.”

So the Patriots beat the Giants in NY on Saturday night, 38-35. Props to the Giants for keeping it respectable but you always had that gut feeling that the Pats were going to win. Is it just me or were the fans in NY cheering for the Pats? Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning’s records of most passing touchdowns in a single season with 51. Randy Moss broke the single game receiving touchdown records held by Jerry Rice, with 23. These guys are for real. I don’t think anyone doubts that. But in playoffs, one fumble or bad snap and the tide can turn if the game is close. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, this records doesn’t mean s#@! if they don’t win the Superbowl. By the way, if my fantasy football league was still going, I would’ve killed today (Randy Moss 2 tds + Eli Manning 4 tds). Go figure.

I’m no NFL genius, nor have I ever been confused for one. However, in watching football for most of my life, I’ve realized that nothing good comes out of week 17, at least for the teams that have already locked in a playoff spot. I’ve heard teams give reasons like not wanting to lose momentum or sending the wrong signal to the non-star athletes. These guys are professionals, they know which players are replaceable, no need to trick them. Colts, Chargers, Jags, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Packers, Cowboys, rest your guns. You have too much to lose by playing them in week 17. You noticed I didn’t include a couple of teams who have already clinched: the Patriots, who are looking for a perfect season, should play their starters then pull them when the game is out of reach; the Steelers, too late as your Superbowl dreams went down with Willie; Giants, doesn’t matter because they don’t have a chance either way. With that said, I’m sure no one will listen to my advice, but afterwards, they’ll regret their decisions, and all you’ll be hearing is “those ONTHEBUZZER guys were right.”

Jail Blazers no more, Portland Trail Blazers they are. On Friday, led by last year’s rookie of the year phenom Brandon Roy, the Blazers won their league leading 12th game in a row. No Greg Oden, no problem. A lot of people were thinking this team was going to tank when their #1 draft pick Greg Oden went down in the preseason. Tim Duncan/David Robinson combo? Not this team. The Blazers are looking to make a playoff appearance. The young guys want some post season experience, with or without their franchise big man. Don’t get me wrong, this team still has a long way to go. At this point in the season, they have the 8th best record in the West. They might not make the dance at the end of the year. But watch out for them next year, when Oden returns and gives these Blazers a true inside presence.

The King Jim Leyritz, a former major league baseball player, was charged with manslaughter on Friday for driving under the influence and killing another driver. Many of you don’t remember, but Leyritz was one of the “clutchest” post season designated hitters I’ve seen. He punished the Atlanta Braves many a times, as a Padre and a Yankee. He quietly disappeared at the end of his career. It’s sad to see this guy’s career go down. Another athletes, another felony, what a surprise.